Bill McColl with his closest old friend and fellow Rye Fire Department Chief, Walter Roode

William McColl, 90, of Rye, New York, passed away on November 11, 2022, in Marietta, Georgia, surrounded by his family. 

Born in Yonkers, N.Y. on August 11, 1932, he was the son of Duncan and Margaret McColl. After attending Saunders Trade School in Yonkers, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1952, where he served in the Korean War aboard the USS Dealey. 

Bill married the love of his life, Alice Joyce, in 1960. Shortly after, they moved to Rye and started their family. 

Mr. McColl worked various jobs in his early years, including working on the railroad before joining New York Telephone Co, AT&T, and PepsiCo Inc.

He enjoyed activities such as hunting, golfing, bowling, and softball. “Even in his late 80s and early 90s Bill was a great striker of the golf ball, regularly outdriving younger players,” said fellow Rye Golf Club member Bob Marrow.

He was a hard worker but always found time for family and friends, especially the “Happy Hour Crew” on Friday evenings. This group of dear friends has met weekly since the late 1980s. 

A proud and dedicated member of the Rye Fire Department from 1964 to the present, he served as Fire Chief from 1972-78.   

Mr. McColl is survived by his son, Scott McColl (Vicki) of Woodstock, Ga. and his daughter, Sandy McColl (Dennis Karpinski) of Marietta, Ga.; as well as his five beloved grandchildren: Taylor, Harley, Jensen, Alice, and Aidan. He was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Alice McColl, and his two brothers, John and Duncan McColl. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Wellstar Hospice of Marietta, to Graham Funeral Home and Woodstock Funeral Home for handling the funeral arrangements, and to all their friends and family in Georgia, New York, and Connecticut who have supported them.

Services will be held at Graham Funeral Home in Rye: A wake on November 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. and a funeral on November 18 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Rye Brook.